Bible moment
The Bible moment
Matthew 17:1–13 tells how Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain. Before them, Jesus is transfigured: his face shines like the sun, and his clothes become white as light. Moses and Elijah appear and speak with him. Peter offers to make three shelters, one for each of them, because he does not know what else to say. While he is speaking, a bright cloud overshadows them. A voice from the cloud identifies Jesus as God’s beloved Son and commands the disciples to listen to him. Later, Jesus connects the disciples’ question about Elijah with John the Baptist, as Matthew reports.
Look closely
What children can notice
Peter gestures as he offers to make three shelters—one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah—while James and John stand nearby. The shelters may be shown only as proposed ideas or simple outlined symbols, not completed structures.
Talk together
Talk about it
- Why do you think Peter offered three shelters?
- What does the voice from the cloud tell the disciples to do?
For families, church, and class
Use this page
Read Matthew 17:1–13 before discussing the picture. Invite children to notice who is present and which shelters are only proposed. Emphasize Jesus’ glory, God’s declaration, and the command to listen to Jesus. Avoid adding details about the conversation or showing completed shelters.
Source note
From this passage
Matthew 17:4 · Jesus Transfigured
Peter gestures as he offers to make three shelters—one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah—while James and John stand nearby. The shelters may be shown only as proposed ideas or simple outlined symbols, not completed structures.
